# The Brutalist AI Voice-Cloning Debate and the Oscars: A Discussion on Creativity and Ethics
The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the arts has ignited intense discussions in recent years, with the controversy surrounding the film *The Brutalist* bringing this issue into sharp focus. Helmed by Brady Corbet, *The Brutalist* is a period piece that follows a Hungarian immigrant architect and his spouse as they navigate life in post-World War II America. Although the film’s storyline and the performances by Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones have received commendations, its implementation of AI voice-cloning technology has sparked a dialogue about the ethical ramifications of AI in filmmaking and its suitability for prestigious accolades such as the Oscars.
## The Role of AI in *The Brutalist*
Central to the debate is the application of generative AI to refine the Hungarian-language dialogue delivered by the film’s characters. Even though Brody and Jones received extensive coaching to achieve authentic Hungarian accents, the filmmakers opted to utilize AI voice-cloning technology to further enhance their performances. Specifically, Respeecher, an AI tool, was used to fine-tune pronunciation and ensure linguistic precision, with the voice of the film’s editor, Dávid Jancsó, acting as a benchmark for the AI-generated modifications.
Jancsó pointed out that Hungarian poses significant challenges for non-native speakers, even for Brody, whose mother is a Hungarian émigré. Despite their efforts, the actors faced difficulties mastering particular sounds and subtleties. The filmmakers initially explored re-recording (ADR) the dialogue with the actors and even contemplated employing Hungarian voice talents for dubbing. Ultimately, they chose AI as a quicker and more accurate alternative.
## The Ethical Dilemma
Although the integration of AI in *The Brutalist* aimed to bolster the film’s authenticity, it brings forth critical ethical concerns regarding the role of technology in artistic expression. Critics maintain that modifying an actor’s performance with AI compromises the integrity of their artistry. Acting transcends mere line delivery; it involves the subtleties of voice, emotion, and physical presence. By employing AI to alter their voices, the filmmakers have introduced an external element into the actors’ performances, blurring the distinction between human creativity and machine involvement.
This has incited demands for films that utilize AI-enhanced performances to be disqualified from award considerations. The premise is that such films do not showcase the unmodified work of the actors and thus should not be judged alongside traditional performances. If AI is permitted to significantly influence performance quality, it may set a concerning precedent for the future of acting and filmmaking.
## The Broader Implications for the Film Industry
The controversy surrounding *The Brutalist* is not an isolated case. Another film, *Emilia Pérez*, has faced scrutiny for applying Respeecher AI to enhance its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón’s, musical capabilities. As AI technologies become increasingly advanced and available, their application in the entertainment industry is likely to grow, raising issues about authenticity, creativity, and equity.
For example, should AI-enhanced performances qualify for acting awards? If so, where do we establish the boundaries? Could AI-generated visuals or scripts also be eligible for accolades traditionally designated for human creators? These considerations underscore the necessity for explicit guidelines and ethical standards to regulate the use of AI in creative domains.
## The Case For and Against AI in Film
Supporters of AI assert that it serves merely as an additional tool in the filmmaker’s toolkit, similar to special effects or editing programs. They argue that AI can enhance storytelling by overcoming practical limitations like linguistic hurdles or budget restrictions. In the context of *The Brutalist*, the filmmakers leveraged AI to navigate linguistic accuracy, which they believed would amplify the film’s authenticity and emotional resonance.
Conversely, detractors argue that AI’s involvement in creative endeavors jeopardizes the human element that imparts meaning to art. They contend that using AI to “perfect” performances might result in a homogenization of art, where the distinctive flaws and quirks of human creativity are eliminated by algorithms. Furthermore, dependence on AI could marginalize human talent, especially in roles necessitating specialized skills, such as voice acting or language coaching.
## The Oscars and the Future of AI in Entertainment
The controversies involving *The Brutalist* and *Emilia Pérez* have spurred requests for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to formulate guidelines regarding the use of AI in films eligible for Oscars. Some have proposed establishing distinct categories for AI-assisted performances or excluding such films from acting award considerations entirely. Others argue that the industry should acknowledge AI as an inevitable facet of the creative landscape and concentrate on building ethical frameworks to guarantee its responsible use.
As AI continues to advance, its influence on the entertainment industry will undoubtedly intensify. While it presents exciting avenues for innovation, it also challenges our comprehension of
